CARNEY, Mich. - A fire at Superior Cedar Products on August 5 took the life of an employee.

More than 170 firefighters and personnel were called to battle the blaze, which spread to the company's unprocessed wood piles at around 2 p.m.

Michigan Governor Whitmer issued a state of emergency.

Police arrived at the scene and attempted to locate all workers. One employee couldn't be found. After an "intense search", police say the worker was located on a piece of burning equipment. The fire's intense heat made it impossible for police to save the victim.

The employee's name has not been revealed.

“Our deepest appreciation goes out to our staff and the first responders from the surrounding areas,” Menominee County Sheriff’s Office said in a release. “The rapid response was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to all the first responders.”

It's unclear what started the fire. An investigation is ongoing.